Plotting Derivatives: x''(t) & x'(t) 0-3

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around plotting derivatives, specifically x''(t), x'(t), and x(t) based on a given piecewise function for x''(t). The participants explore how to represent these functions graphically over the interval from 0 to 3.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss how to graph x''(t) and whether to treat certain points as discontinuities. There are questions about connecting points on the graph and how to represent the values of x'(t) and x(t) based on the area under the curve of x''(t).

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered differing opinions on whether to connect points on the graph, with suggestions to leave certain points disconnected. There is ongoing exploration of the relationship between the functions and their graphical representations.

Contextual Notes

There is some confusion regarding the interpretation of points on the t-axis, particularly at the boundaries of the intervals defined for x''(t). Participants are also considering the implications of assuming initial conditions for x'(0) and x(0).

jayeffarr
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The problem statement.

Suppose x''(t) = 1 for [tex]1\leq(t)\leq2[/tex], and x''(t) = 0 for all other (t)

(a) Plot x''(t) for [tex]0\leq(t)\leq3[/tex]
(b) Plot x'(t) for [tex]0\leq(t)\leq3[/tex]. Assume x'(0) = 0
(c) Plot x(t) for [tex]0\leq(t)\leq3[/tex]. Assume x(0) = 0The attempt at a solution

I assumed 'x' being the vertical axis and 't' being the horizontal axis.

For (a) I know that there are going to be two points at 1 and two points at 0.

My main question is when I graph these plots should I treat points 0 and 3 on the t-axis as discontinuities, and just put a point of where they're at and not include them when connecting the non-zero points, or should I connect all the points together, despite the discontinuity?
 
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Hi jayeffarr! :smile:

(have a ≤ :wink:)
jayeffarr said:
… when I graph these plots should I treat points 0 and 3 on the t-axis as discontinuities, and just put a point of where they're at and not include them when connecting the non-zero points, or should I connect all the points together, despite the discontinuity?

Personally, I'd leave them disconnected …

x''(t) has only one value for each t, so why pretend it has more? :wink:
 
Would you say to do the same thing when it comes to plotting x' and x...

Since x'(t) = t

and the plot will be (0,0), (1,1), (2,2), (3,0).

And x(t) = (1/2)t²

and the plot will be (0,0), (1,0.5), (2,2), (3,0).

...and just draw a line between 1 & 2, while having solid circles and 1 & 3?

Or are you saying just to plot the points without connecting ANY of them?
 
Last edited:
Not following you :redface:

x'(t) is the area under the graph of x''(t).​
 
jayeffarr said:
The problem statement.

Suppose x''(t) = 1 for [tex]1\leq(t)\leq2[/tex], and x''(t) = 0 for all other (t)

(a) Plot x''(t) for [tex]0\leq(t)\leq3[/tex]
(b) Plot x'(t) for [tex]0\leq(t)\leq3[/tex]. Assume x'(0) = 0
(c) Plot x(t) for [tex]0\leq(t)\leq3[/tex]. Assume x(0) = 0


The attempt at a solution

I assumed 'x' being the vertical axis and 't' being the horizontal axis.

For (a) I know that there are going to be two points at 1 and two points at 0.
I don't know what you mean by "two points". The graph is the horizontal straight line at y= 1 between 1 and 2, the horizontal straight line at y= 0, the x-axis, for all other t.

My main question is when I graph these plots should I treat points 0 and 3 on the t-axis as discontinuities, and just put a point of where they're at and not include them when connecting the non-zero points, or should I connect all the points together, despite the discontinuity?
"at 3 on the t-xis"? x"(3)= 0 and is 0 for every point near t= 3. Did you mean t= 2? In any case, it really doesn't matter. Technically, the vertical line is not part of the graph but if you can notice that this forms a rectangle under the graph, that will help.
 

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